Is the Freelander internal fan connected to the engine cooling?

I had a problem at the end of the summer with my freelander 1 (petrol) conking out at traffic lights and being nearly impossible to restart for a few minutes. It always started in the end , even if I had to wait up to 5 mins.

With the help of this forum I looked at the cooling system and bled the system after which the problem seemed to go away completely. I also discovered that I had let the coolant in the reservoir go down to a dangerous level so I probably drove for a few days with insufficient coolant in the system.

Anyway I had the problem start again a few days ago and the only difference is that I drove without the internal fan switched on. Now I think back ever since I "solved" the problem it has been winter weather and I have had the internal fan on at least 2 or above the whole time to keep the windows free of mist and the interior nice and warm.

I left the car overnight and started again the next day with the fan switched back on and "hey presto" no problems any more.

Does it sound plausible to anyone that there is a link between the 2 systems. I thought that the internal fan system could pass by the coolant temperature sensor or influence the famous IACV, and that therefore one of these is the real cause of the problem and I should get it replaced.

I am driving a Freelander 1, 3 door, 1.8 (year 2000)

it should not make any difference to starting the engine as all the internal fan does is pump air around the cabin it will how ever keep your water cooler ,but you may have an electrical fault some where but can not see it really

How often are you toping your water up?
When was the spark plugs last changed?

Thanks for your reply.

I top up coolant in the reservoir every 3-4 weeks , I loose about 1cm in the reservoir. I thought that was not a lot.

I have no idea when the spark plugs were last changed - do you think It could be related? I remember from days gone by that it is a simple job to replace them.

teddywood1 said:

it should not make any difference to starting the engine as all the internal fan does is pump air around the cabin it will how ever keep your water cooler ,but you may have an electrical fault some where but can not see it really

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Which water are you referring to, it is the coolant?

I did notice yesterday that when I am idling and I turn the fan up to 3 or 4 then I feel a little acceleration through my foot on the gas pedal. This would make sense if there was an electrical fault I suppose?

Not a fully fledged mechanic but will try and give you a hand. had similar issues

Firstly im on about the engine coolant. topping up every 3-4 weeks by 1 cm could be the start of a head gasket fault

few tips on how to notice headgasket fault

if you remove the oil filler cap once the engine is cool can you see any trace of the oil being emulsified (white/brown cream) on the filler cap or in the engine.

also check the dipstick see if the oil looks black or emulsified.

again once the engine is cold remove the expansion tank cap and have a look to see if there is a sign of any oil in the water.

The reason you can hear the engine idle at a slightly higher rpm when the fan is on. Once you have turned the fan motor on it puts more strain on the alternator causing for a slightly different tune from the engine and possibly higher rpm to cope with the load. same goes for lights ect.

at the price for a set of plugs it may well be worth trying to new set especially if you cant remember when they where last changed. If you do change them note down which plug came from which cylinder and take a picture of them. (the color of the plugs can tell alot about an engines performance)

Obviously take my comments with a pinch of salt im no pro. but may help

Before saying headgasket, it could also be other things. The moment people see Rover K engine and Petrol the first thing they say is headgasket. It is possible sure, but not the only reason.

The intake manifold gasket could be old and leaking coolant.

Great tread on coolant leaks:
Coolant leak! Inlet manifold gasket or head gasket? - MG-Rover.org Forums

Here is a nice howto change the gasket on that engine in another car, it is almost the same in a freelander:

How do I - change Inlet manifold gasket? (K Series) - MG-Rover.org Forums

loss of water could also be the header tank either cracks in it or the cap is no longer sealing it.

If the battery Voltage is down a little or the battery is past its best, it's possible that the engine revs will increase a little with the fan on the highest speeds. The engine ECU increases engine speed to increase the power supplied by the alternator. It knows the battery Voltage and how to increase it if necessary.